March 12 – Yokohama – A millionth guest has visited the Nissan Gallery in Yokohama in a single year for the first time.

Presentation of gifts for the 1 millionth guest

The lucky visitor was invited on stage where he received Nissan GT-R branded briefcase, as well as an all-expense paid trip to a 2013 Super GT race this season.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was very surprised to receive such wonderful prizes,” said the Yokohama resident.

The gallery has hosted heads of state, including former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, three-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel and six-time gold medalist Usain Bolt.

It’s also played host to numerous car launches since opening in 2009.

Located on the first floor of the automaker’s global headquarters, an average of 2,500 people visit during weekdays and about 4,000 at weekends.

The gallery plans to livecast this year's Formula One races starting this weekend

Special events, including live broadcasts of regional Formula 1 races from this year, are key to attracting even more visitors, said Toshikuni Imaizumi, director of the Nissan Gallery.

“The Nissan Gallery is not just a place for people who want to buy cars, but it’s also for a variety of people – for instance, children and students who don’t have driver’s licenses,” said Imaizumi.

“We create opportunities for them to interact with Nissan, to become more familiar with us and to enjoy experiences related to cars. We present these events for visitors, first making them attend, and then making them feel they want to come back.”

The first 2013 F1 race from Melbourne will be shown this weekend – another reason to make a pit stop at the Yokohama gallery.